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Recent rumors and gossip about NFLen-usJets could offer Kirk Cousins fully guaranteed contractIt’s a precedent we’re sure other teams wouldn’t take kindly to. Offering one of the top free agents a fully guaranteed contract. We have never seen this on multi-year deals around the NFL. It has previously led to a debate about contract structures around the league compared to other major professional sports. Once a team bites the bullet in this regard, everything will change.According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, the New York Jets might be willing to do this with impending free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins.“One team already is being pegged in league circles as having the willingness to do it (offer Cousins a fully guaranteed deal): The Jets. If the Jets will do it, other suitors for Cousins may have no choice but to follow suit,” Florio reported.Given that a four-year deal would likely require $120 million in guarantees, that’s all sorts of crazy. If Cousins were to demand the typical five-year contract for a quarterback, that number would grow to an absurd $150 million.Florio notes that other tea17 Feb 2018 12:45:30 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_could_reportedly_offer_kirk_cousins_fully_guaranteed_contract/s1_12680_25733498
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_could_reportedly_offer_kirk_cousins_fully_guaranteed_contract/s1_12680_25733498Jets could offer Kirk Cousins fully guaranteed contracthttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_could_reportedly_offer_kirk_cousins_fully_guaranteed_contract/s1_12680_25733498http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/3/c333d56d94f9060d3f52cebeeda6db74b092f8ab/top_story/10472489.jpgWashington letting 'pettiness' dictate Kirk Cousins situationThe Washington Redskins might just want to move on from this entire Kirk Cousins situation. They acquired Pro Bowler Alex Smith earlier in the offseason to replace Cousins under enter. With a commitment of that ilk, it’s obvious Washington has no intention to keep Cousins. More than that, there’s no way Cousins agrees to even think about playing for the Redskins.Despite this, Washington’s brass seems to think it’s playing this situation close to the best. It’s not. And this latest report from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio tells us this story in a big way.“As one source with knowledge of the manner in which Washington president Bruce Allen does business put it, Allen will try to conjure up something in an effort to salvage value for Cousins and, in turn, make it harder for him to hit the open market and finally get the long-term contract he deserves. As another source put it regarding Washington,” Florio reported.The source went on to note that Washington is “in the pettiness game.”That’s fine. Whatever floa16 Feb 2018 12:19:01 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/redskins_letting_8216pettiness_8217_dictate_stance_on_kirk_cousins_situation/s1_12680_25725539
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/redskins_letting_8216pettiness_8217_dictate_stance_on_kirk_cousins_situation/s1_12680_25725539Washington letting 'pettiness' dictate Kirk Cousins situationhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/redskins_letting_8216pettiness_8217_dictate_stance_on_kirk_cousins_situation/s1_12680_25725539http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/2/920ff4f5a7a74f7f1fb2098df9be379ead790743/top_story/10448301.jpgReport: ESPN willing to ‘back up the truck’ for Manning on MNFESPN needs a color commentator to replace Jon Gruden on "Monday Night Football," and the broadcast giant is prepared to offer a hefty salary in hopes of luring Peyton Manning.According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, a source said ESPN is willing to “back up the truck’ for the five-time MVP.Marchand notes FOX, the upcoming home of Thursday Night Football, has also approached Manning to be a primetime game analyst.The report confirms a widely held belief that Manning would be a top priority for ESPN. Whether as a host for an awards show or "Saturday Night Live," he has consistently drawn positive reviews for his humor and ability to engage an audience.After the success of Tony Romo in the CBS booth last year, it’s appealing to have a charismatic former player who actually provides real, in-depth analysis. Manning seems like somebody who would analyze and explain the game in a comprehensible manner.And that’s exactly why ESPN is prepared to shovel money at Manning. Should he not pursue the opportunity,16 Feb 2018 12:14:37 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_espn_willing_to_8216back_up_the_truck_8217_for_peyton_manning_on_mnf/s1_12680_25724753
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_espn_willing_to_8216back_up_the_truck_8217_for_peyton_manning_on_mnf/s1_12680_25724753Report: ESPN willing to ‘back up the truck’ for Manning on MNFhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_espn_willing_to_8216back_up_the_truck_8217_for_peyton_manning_on_mnf/s1_12680_25724753http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/6/9656d34b42b25ef4da49630ba1d59845d3f261ec/top_story/10335160.jpgMcDaniels spurning Colts ‘had nothing to do with his family’When Josh McDaniels shocked the Indianapolis Colts by abruptly deciding not to be the team’s new head coach, speculation abounded as to what was behind his sudden change of heart.Among the many theories, amid others, forwarded in the aftermath of the stunning development was that McDaniels opted to remain with the New England Patriots as offensive coordinator had to do with a preference to not uproot his family. One NFL insider, however, says that was not the case.Peter King of Sports Illustrated’s MMQB joined “PFT Live” on Friday morning and reported what he has heard thus far on the McDaniels front.“This had nothing to do with his family,” King said. “It was about the Patriots giving him a better option than Indianapolis.” “… (McDaniels) has to have thought there were some things wrong in Indianapolis,” King added. “What it is, I don’t know. I’m waiting to hear it myself.”Whatever the reason behind McDaniels reneging on his agreement with the Colts, some speculate his conduct — which prompted his agent to d16 Feb 2018 12:15:39 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_josh_mcdaniels_spurning_of_colts_had_nothing_to_do_with_his_family/s1_8061_25725002
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_josh_mcdaniels_spurning_of_colts_had_nothing_to_do_with_his_family/s1_8061_25725002McDaniels spurning Colts ‘had nothing to do with his family’http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_josh_mcdaniels_spurning_of_colts_had_nothing_to_do_with_his_family/s1_8061_25725002http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/9/b9452604d5351844627a993b4d3a56c62daac3e7/top_story/10587491.jpgReport: Tom Brady could get extension this offseasonReigning NFL MVP Tom Brady has not made any legitimate noise about wanting a raise from the $14 million base salary he’s slated to earn next season. This doesn’t mean Brady himself has not let the New England Patriots know he wants to be taken care of. As one of the most underpaid athletes in pro sports, it stands to reason he’ll want to cash in. Brady has been playing under a team-friendly contract for far too long.According to CBS Sports NFL insider Jason La Canfora, it’s now possible Brady could in fact be in line for an extension prior to the start of the 2018 campaign.This makes all the sense in the world for both Brady and the Patriots. The future Hall of Famer has two years remaining on his deal with a total cap hit of $44 million ($22 million each season). He obviously wants to play beyond this contract. And considering New England moved Jimmy Garoppolo, the team has to expect that this will be the case.As of right now, Brady’s base contract of $14 million would come in eighth overall among quarterbac16 Feb 2018 14:35:42 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_tom_brady_could_get_extension_this_offseason/s1_12680_25726757
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_tom_brady_could_get_extension_this_offseason/s1_12680_25726757Report: Tom Brady could get extension this offseasonhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_tom_brady_could_get_extension_this_offseason/s1_12680_25726757http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/9/590fefa2c89b27641388564f97bc2a76aa04f252/top_story/10578830.jpgEagles looking for two first-round picks for Nick Foles?There’s a good chance the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles decide to hang on to reigning Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles as an insurance policy in case Carson Wentz isn’t ready for the 2018 season.At the very least, that’s what the Eagles would like us to believe.Though, there’s two issues with this. Coming off one of the best playoff runs by a quarterback in recent NFL history, Foles would likely bring a nice return in a trade. Secondly, it’s not a given that he’d be OK coming back to Philadelphia as a backup.If the Eagles were to trade Foles, MMQB’s Peter King is reporting that it would take a minimum of two first-round picks for them to even consider it.“I don’t think Philly trades quarterback Nick Foles, unless some team makes an offer that start with two first-round picks. Even then, I’m skeptical they’d pull the trigger. This is why they got Foles in the first place—because GM Howie Roseman and Pederson think the backup quarterback is one of the 10 or 12 most important players on the team,” King reports15 Feb 2018 16:10:05 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_eagles_may_require_at_least_two_first_round_picks_for_nick_foles/s1_12680_25718210
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_eagles_may_require_at_least_two_first_round_picks_for_nick_foles/s1_12680_25718210Eagles looking for two first-round picks for Nick Foles?http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_eagles_may_require_at_least_two_first_round_picks_for_nick_foles/s1_12680_25718210http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/2/d23a5e536217b85180457502e8b1e744e09f152c/top_story/10593735.jpgJuJu Smith-Schuster wears Steelers gear on first day back at schoolPittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is becoming a must-follow on Twitter. We’ve featured some of his hilarious social media high jinx in the past, and on Thursday he posted something else that was too funny not to share.Keeping a promise to go back to school (Smith-Schuster came out of USC as a junior), he started classes on Thursday…wearing pads and his Steelers jersey. Never let it be said that Smith-Schuster doesn’t keep his promises. Though, we’re a bit disappointed he wasn’t wearing his helmet like he recently did when he was suspended one week for being naughty.15 Feb 2018 19:06:58 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/juju_smith_schuster_wears_steelers_gear_on_first_day_back_at_school/s1_12680_25719512
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/juju_smith_schuster_wears_steelers_gear_on_first_day_back_at_school/s1_12680_25719512JuJu Smith-Schuster wears Steelers gear on first day back at schoolhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/juju_smith_schuster_wears_steelers_gear_on_first_day_back_at_school/s1_12680_25719512http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/1/91f42619934bcbc6a29cfebe6f81093f6725e0b7/top_story/10514313.jpgBrowns one of multiple teams using Scot McCloughan's scouting servicesPrior to the Super Bowl, a report came out that Scot McCloughan was working for the Cleveland Browns as a personnel consultant for the upcoming NFL Draft. As it turns out, that report is only partially true.McCloughan is, indeed, working for the Browns. But he’s not stopping with just Cleveland.“Contrary to the impression created by a report that surfaced prior to the Super Bowl, McCloughan hasn’t limited himself to the Browns or any one team,” Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted. “McCloughan has multiple teams to whom he provides scouting services.”It’s not surprise that more than one team would want to work with McCloughan. He has a long and generally well decorated history when it comes to drafts.He was the San Francisco 49ers general manager when they drafted much of the roster that went to three straight NFC Championship Games. McCloughan also served as a senior personnel executive for the Seattle Seahawks when they drafted the core of the team that would win consecutive NFC Championships and a Super 15 Feb 2018 18:33:43 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/browns_one_of_multiple_teams_using_scot_mccloughan_39s_scouting_services/s1_12680_25719248
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/browns_one_of_multiple_teams_using_scot_mccloughan_39s_scouting_services/s1_12680_25719248Browns one of multiple teams using Scot McCloughan's scouting serviceshttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/browns_one_of_multiple_teams_using_scot_mccloughan_39s_scouting_services/s1_12680_25719248http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/5/1585fc43700b945c6afdfbae77c1a83d25c432cb/top_story/9487371.jpgReport: Teams will receive in-game data from every NFL player in 2018The data that NFL teams have on the league’s players is about to be increased in a big way.According to a report, NFL teams will have access to data from the players on their teams, as well as the NFL’s other 31 teams.“The NFL’s Competition Committee recently signed off on a plan to release in-game player-tracking data on every NFL player to all 32 teams, and it’s anticipated the league will begin releasing the data this spring, people with knowledge of the plan told NFL.com on Thursday,” Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported. “These people spoke on condition of anonymity because the plan had not yet been communicated to clubs, which had access to data only on their own players the past two seasons.”Pelissero added, “The plan is to send league-wide data from 2016 and ’17 to every team beginning in mid-April, and teams will receive the league-wide data on a weekly basis during the 2018 season.”Quite simply, this should be a scout’s dream. It should not only increase the information that the scouts have, but should15 Feb 2018 17:21:36 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_teams_will_receive_in_game_data_from_every_nfl_player_in_2018/s1_12680_25718816
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_teams_will_receive_in_game_data_from_every_nfl_player_in_2018/s1_12680_25718816Report: Teams will receive in-game data from every NFL player in 2018http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_teams_will_receive_in_game_data_from_every_nfl_player_in_2018/s1_12680_25718816http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/7/77f201ab43c0e4259bc24fced7f491691ed3d42a/top_story/10587585.jpgReport: A.J. McCarron wins grievance, will be free agentWe can now add another potential starting quarterback to the unrestricted free agent market this March. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Cincinnati Bengals signal caller A.J. McCarron has won his grievance against the team and will be free to sign wherever he pleases in March. McCarron was previously slated to become a restricted free agent, but this now changes pretty much the entire dynamic here.Given that the Cleveland Browns were close to trading for McCarron during the 2017 season, they seem to be a logical destination. With no compensation going back to Cincinnati, there promises to be a ton of teams interested in bringing in this former national champion. That list now includes the Denver Broncos.A fifth-round pick back in 2014, McCarron has started a grand total of three games in four NFL seasons, throwing six touchdowns compared to two interceptions during that span.15 Feb 2018 17:14:16 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_bengals_8217_aj_mccarron_wins_grievance_will_become_free_agent/s1_12680_25718750
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_bengals_8217_aj_mccarron_wins_grievance_will_become_free_agent/s1_12680_25718750Report: A.J. McCarron wins grievance, will be free agenthttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_bengals_8217_aj_mccarron_wins_grievance_will_become_free_agent/s1_12680_25718750http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/e/7eb89c4f7fe6c205eabec160783c8c3306ea3587/top_story/10396745.jpgReport: Bills would rather trade Tyrod Taylor than cut himAt this point, it seems crystal clear that Tyrod Taylor won’t play for the Buffalo Bills in 2018. However, rather than cutting him outright, it’s now being reported the Bills are going to try to trade the quarterback. “My understanding, though…doesn’t seem like they want to cut Tyrod,” Rapoport said. “Seems like the Bills would like to trade him, just based on how much quarterbacks are going for and how much interest, seems Buffalo will be able to do so.”Given the fact that Taylor has a winning record as a starter and isn’t prone to throwing interceptions (51 touchdowns and just 18 interceptions in his career), Buffalo should get some offers for the quarterback.15 Feb 2018 13:58:08 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_bills_would_rather_trade_tyrod_taylor_than_cut_him/s1_12680_25717103
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_bills_would_rather_trade_tyrod_taylor_than_cut_him/s1_12680_25717103Report: Bills would rather trade Tyrod Taylor than cut himhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_bills_would_rather_trade_tyrod_taylor_than_cut_him/s1_12680_25717103http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/8/c84405370581ab3f02e80957d2bd453aa68d52b3/top_story/10529127.jpgNFL Network analyst ranks Josh Allen above Rosen, MayfieldJosh Allen’s status as a draft prospect remains a disputed conversation, but NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock has a positive view of the Wyoming quarterback.In his first position-by-position ranking, Mayock listed Allen behind USC’s Sam Darnold but ahead of UCLA’s Josh Rosen and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield.Mayock is among the most well-known analysts in his field, and the mainstream portion of scouts in media seems to have aligned with NFL teams. For example, an NFC executive previously said he’s convinced the Cleveland Browns will choose Allen with the No. 1 overall pick.Scouting departments are in love with his prototypical stature and tremendous arm strength, and that combination appears to have solidified Allen as an early first-round selection. ESPN’s main analysts, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, believe that, too.From our perspective and many others, though — lowly as we may be — consistently poor performances against top competition should be problematic. While Allen certainly didn’t have a great supporti15 Feb 2018 12:34:14 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_network_analyst_ranks_josh_allen_above_josh_rosen_baker_mayfield/s1_12680_25716227
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_network_analyst_ranks_josh_allen_above_josh_rosen_baker_mayfield/s1_12680_25716227NFL Network analyst ranks Josh Allen above Rosen, Mayfieldhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_network_analyst_ranks_josh_allen_above_josh_rosen_baker_mayfield/s1_12680_25716227http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/9/49575f492a044f09a032792772e5b28e3e3cb772/top_story/10494808.jpgLarry Fitzgerald will return to Cardinals in 2018The Arizona Cardinals will have a much different look in 2018 without former head coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Carson Palmer, but arguably the best player in franchise history is returning for a 15th season.On Thursday, the Cardinals announced that Larry Fitzgerald has informed them he is not planning to retire just yet. Fitzgerald will be 35 before the start of next season, but he is coming off another extremely productive year in which he caught 109 passes for 1,156 yards and six touchdowns. He was also selected to his 11th Pro Bowl.Last month, Fitzgerald indicated that whomever the Cardinals named as their next head coach would factor into his decision. Since he’s returning, that is a pretty good sign that he agrees with the team’s hiring of Steve Wilks.15 Feb 2018 12:06:21 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/larry_fitzgerald_will_return_to_cardinals_in_2018/s1_127_25714844
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/larry_fitzgerald_will_return_to_cardinals_in_2018/s1_127_25714844Larry Fitzgerald will return to Cardinals in 2018http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/larry_fitzgerald_will_return_to_cardinals_in_2018/s1_127_25714844http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/a/1a52e90b559724220c67828c7503992e225f0219/top_story/10604744.jpgBaker Mayfield: Remarks about height anger meBaker Mayfield is one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2018 NFL draft, but some football fans, analysts and team personnel aren’t sold on the Heisman Trophy winner due to his size.And he’s not happy about it.During an interview with Steve Serby of the New York Post, Mayfield responded to a question asking what criticism bothers him most.“It angers me when people say that height actually matters, because there’s guys in the NFL that prove it day in and day out that it doesn’t. If you can pick up and throw a ball, you can. And if you can win games, you can.”Mayfield, who is 6-foot-0, could hardly have been a more accomplished quarterback at the college level. He twice set NCAA records for passing efficiency, led Oklahoma to three Big 12 championships and finished top-four in Heisman voting three times, winning the award in 2017.Yet because he’s not three inches taller, there are concerns about his ability to succeed in the NFL. However, the simple truth is no data exists to support the idea shorter q15 Feb 2018 10:55:32 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/baker_mayfield_remarks_about_height_anger_me/s1_12680_25715381
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/baker_mayfield_remarks_about_height_anger_me/s1_12680_25715381Baker Mayfield: Remarks about height anger mehttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/baker_mayfield_remarks_about_height_anger_me/s1_12680_25715381http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/2/02333ddafa905c7748574f84efecdff21f7589b7/top_story/10562635.jpgSteelers GM will not rule out using franchise tag on BellLe’Veon Bell has said he will consider sitting out the entire 2018 season or retiring if he is hit with the franchise tag for a second straight offseason, but that threat does not seem to have put a whole lot of fear into the Pittsburgh Steelers.On Thursday, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert told reporters that the team’s goal is to sign Bell to a long-term contract. However, he stopped short of saying Bell will not be franchise tagged again. Colbert also praised Bell for not letting the franchise tag affect his attitude last season, though he said he would prefer if no players had to miss offseason training. The deadline to franchise tag players is March 6, so Bell and the Steelers still have a few weeks to work on a long-term deal. If the Steelers use the tag on Bell again, he would make $14.5 million for the 2018 season. Sitting out entirely seems unlikely.Since he is so effective in the passing game, Bell wants to be paid like a wide receiver rather than a running back. He was said to be seeking $16 15 Feb 2018 10:55:03 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/steelers_gm_will_not_rule_out_using_franchise_tag_on_leveon_bell/s1_127_25715384
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/steelers_gm_will_not_rule_out_using_franchise_tag_on_leveon_bell/s1_127_25715384Steelers GM will not rule out using franchise tag on Bellhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/steelers_gm_will_not_rule_out_using_franchise_tag_on_leveon_bell/s1_127_25715384http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/3/5385a914461f79aefa3d96dcac97c3661df608a2/top_story/10460275.jpg